Seven days covering Kathmandu's UNESCO heritage sites and three full days in Pokhara with direct Annapurna views, by private vehicle and licensed guide.
Best unobstructed Himalayan panorama without setting foot on a trail
Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur, and Boudhanath with a licensed guide
Your own guide and vehicle throughout, no shared groups, no fixed schedule
Scenic Prithvi Highway drive along the Trishuli River gorge
This is a 7-day private tour covering Nepal’s two most visited cities. In Kathmandu you spend two full days at four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Boudhanath. In Pokhara you get three full days at 800m elevation with direct sightlines to the Annapurna massif, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre. The two cities are connected by a 200km private vehicle transfer along the Prithvi Highway.
No trekking is involved. The most physical part of the trip is the 365-step climb to Swayambhunath, which you do at your own pace. Everything else is walking around temple squares, lakesides, and market streets. The tour suits first-time visitors, families, older travellers, and anyone who wants Himalayan mountain views without committing to a multi-week trek.
MountainKick runs this as a fully private tour with a government-licensed guide throughout. Your guide handles all entrance fees, explains the religious and historical context at each site, and adjusts the day’s pace around you. There are no group departures and no other travellers joining your vehicle. Kumar and the team have been running private tours in both cities for over a decade and know which sites reward an early start and which are worth lingering at.
What you will see and do:
For travellers who want to add a Poon Hill sunrise or a short Annapurna foothills walk from Pokhara, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek departs directly from Pokhara and can be combined with this tour on request.
Your guide meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel. The afternoon is spent at Swayambhunath, the hilltop Buddhist stupa that has been a pilgrimage site for over 2,500 years. From the top you get your first proper view across the full spread of Kathmandu Valley.
A full day covering three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Morning at Pashupatinath on the Bagmati River, then Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square and the five-storey Nyatapola Temple built in 1702, then Boudhanath Stupa in the late afternoon when the butter lamps are lit and the kora path fills with monks and locals.
An early departure for the 200km drive to Pokhara along the Prithvi Highway. The first section follows the Trishuli River gorge and on a clear day the Ganesh Himal and Manaslu ranges appear to the north well before you reach the lake. Flexible stops for lunch and photos along the way.
Morning at Bindabashani Temple and the old bazaar, then the Seti River Gorge where the river has carved a slot canyon directly beneath the city streets, visible from street-level bridges. Afternoon on Phewa Lake with a boat ride to Tal Barahi Temple on the island, followed by a walk along the lakeside at sunset.
Early start for the World Peace Pagoda on the ridge south of Phewa Lake, where the Annapurna range from Dhaulagiri to Manaslu sits directly in front of you with Machhapuchhre in the foreground. After breakfast you visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp at Tashiling and then Gupteshwor Cave with its underground waterfall chamber. Traditional Thakali dinner in the evening.
Return drive to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway with flexible stops. You arrive in the afternoon with time to rest before a farewell dinner with a cultural performance in the evening.
Breakfast at your hotel, then a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Your guide sees you off at departures.
Kathmandu nights are at Hotel Vistara in Thamel, a 3-star property within walking distance of the main heritage sites and the city’s best restaurants. Rooms are twin sharing with private bathrooms and daily housekeeping. Thamel is the most practical base for this itinerary as it puts you close to both Swayambhunath and the valley circuit without long morning transfers.
Pokhara nights are at Hotel Mountain View, a lakeside 3-star property in the Baidam area. Rooms face either Phewa Lake or the Annapurna range. The lakeside location means Tal Barahi Temple, the main restaurant strip, and the paragliding landing zone are all within a 10-minute walk.
Both hotels include daily breakfast. Single room supplement is available on request.
Breakfast is included at both hotels each morning. Three dinners are included: a welcome dinner in Kathmandu on Day 1, a traditional Thakali dinner in Pokhara on Day 5, and a farewell dinner with cultural performance in Kathmandu on Day 6.
Lunches during the two drive days are at your own expense at highway restaurants along the Prithvi Highway. These are simple, good quality Nepali meals. Budget $5 to $10 per person. In Pokhara the lakeside restaurant strip covers everything from dal bhat to wood-fired pizza. An average dinner out costs $8 to $15 per person.
| Lunch on drive days | $5 to $10 per person |
| Dinner out in Pokhara (lakeside restaurants) | $8 to $15 per person |
| Coffee and snacks | $2 to $5 per day |
| Bottled water | $0.50 to $1 per bottle |
| Optional activities (paragliding, microlight) | $80 to $120 per activity |
“A great way to see Kathmandu and Pokhara”
Visiting Nepal for the first time as a couple, this was a great introduction to the country. Kathmandu gave us the history and culture, while Pokhara was much more relaxed and scenic. Everything was well organized by MountainKick and our guide was always helpful -- we especially enjoyed the views…
“Perfect family trip to Nepal”
Our family of four had a wonderful time. We enjoyed exploring the temples and old streets of Kathmandu, then had a nice change of pace in Pokhara. The itinerary was well balanced and we never felt rushed -- MountainKick handled all the arrangements and made travelling between the two cities…
“A relaxed and enjoyable Nepal experience”
Travelling as a group of three friends, we really enjoyed combining Kathmandu and Pokhara. The cultural sites in Kathmandu were fascinating, while Pokhara was a great place to slow down and enjoy the lakes and mountain views. The MountainKick team were friendly and professional throughout -- a great option if…
The 6-day Kathmandu Cultural Tour stays entirely in the valley and covers all 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Nagarkot sunrise and Patan Durbar Square. This 7-day tour covers 4 of those sites and then moves to Pokhara for 3 full days with Annapurna views and lakeside activities. If Pokhara and mountain views are a priority, this tour is the better fit. If you want to go deep on Kathmandu Valley alone, the Cultural Tour covers more ground there.
No view in Nepal is ever guaranteed because weather changes daily. October and November give the sharpest visibility after the monsoon clears. March and April are also reliable. During the monsoon months from June to September the Annapurna range is frequently hidden behind cloud for days at a time. Your guide will plan the World Peace Pagoda visit for early morning when visibility is typically at its best.
This tour uses a private vehicle on the Prithvi Highway both ways, around 7 hours each direction. The drive follows the Trishuli River gorge for much of the first section and is genuinely scenic with flexible stops. If you prefer to fly one or both legs, a 25-minute domestic flight can be arranged at additional cost. Speak to us when you book and we will adjust the itinerary.
Fully private. You travel with your own guide and vehicle throughout all 7 days. No other travellers join your group at any point. Departure dates are flexible and set around your arrival in Kathmandu.
None beyond normal daily walking. The most physical moment of the tour is the 365-step climb to Swayambhunath, which you do at whatever pace suits you. Everything else is flat or gently sloping walking around temple squares, lakesides, and market streets. The tour is suitable for all ages and fitness levels including older travellers and families with children.
Daily breakfast at both hotels, a welcome dinner in Kathmandu on Day 1, a traditional Thakali dinner in Pokhara on Day 5, and a farewell dinner with cultural performance in Kathmandu on Day 6. Lunches are not included. On the two drive days there are good highway restaurants along the Prithvi Highway where you stop at your own expense. Budget $5 to $10 per person for lunch.
Yes. Pokhara is the main gateway to the Annapurna region so the options are wide. The most popular addition is the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, a 9-day moderate trek that departs directly from Pokhara with a Poon Hill sunrise and Annapurna Base Camp approach views. The Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek is another good option for a shorter, quieter alternative. Speak to us and we will build a combined itinerary.
Yes. Your policy should cover medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation at minimum. This is a low-risk city tour with no altitude or trekking involved, but medical care in Nepal outside Kathmandu can be limited and evacuation costs are significant without cover. We can recommend insurers if you need guidance.
Yes. If you want an extra day in Pokhara, a different site in Kathmandu, or a morning activity swapped out, tell us when you book and we will adjust. Kumar replies personally within a few hours and is happy to build the itinerary around your specific interests.
No upcoming fixed departures are scheduled at the moment. Contact us to arrange a private departure on dates that suit you.
| 30+ days before departure | Deposit forfeited, balance refunded in full |
| 15–29 days before departure | 50% of total trip cost charged |
| Under 15 days | No refund |
| MountainKick cancels trip | Full refund or reschedule |
Every MountainKick trip runs privately on dates that work for you. Same route, same guides, your schedule. Group pricing scales with traveller count.
| Travellers | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $990 |
| 2-3 | $580 |
| 4-9 | $490 |
Ready to go? Request your preferred dates or message us directly on WhatsApp — we'll confirm availability within a few hours.
We never force our customers to follow our set itinerary. You can customize your itinerary exactly the way you want. Please share with us your ideas.
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| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | 1 | Must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry |
| Passport photos | 2 | Required for Nepal visa on arrival. Digital submission is also accepted |
| Nepal visa fee cash | 1 | USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days |
| Travel insurance documents | 1 | Digital copy on your phone is fine |
| Emergency contact list | 1 | Share a copy with someone at home |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Comfortable walking clothes | 3 to 4 days worth | Lightweight and breathable. Kathmandu and Pokhara are warm most of the year |
| Modest temple clothing | 1 outfit | Covered shoulders and knees required at Pashupatinath and most Hindu temples |
| Light fleece or jacket | 1 | Pokhara mornings can be cool between November and February |
| Rain jacket | 1 | Useful Oct to May for afternoon showers. Essential if travelling Mar to May |
| Walking shoes | 1 pair | Comfortable for cobblestone streets and gentle hill walking |
| Sandals or slip-ons | 1 pair | You remove shoes frequently at temples. Easy on and off saves time |
| Warm layer for evenings | 1 | Kathmandu evenings drop noticeably in December and January |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher | 1 | Relevant year round, especially at Swayambhunath and the World Peace Pagoda which are exposed hilltop sites |
| Personal medications | Full supply | Bring more than you need. Specific brands can be hard to find outside Kathmandu |
| Hand sanitiser | 1 | Useful at busy temple sites |
| Reusable water bottle | 1 | Filtered water is available at both hotels. Reduces plastic waste on the road |
| Small day bag or backpack | 1 |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Phone and charger | 1 | A local SIM card gives you data from Day 1. We help you get one in Kathmandu |
| Camera | 1 | Optional but Bhaktapur and the World Peace Pagoda are worth a proper camera |
| Universal power adapter | 1 | Nepal uses Type C, D, and M sockets |
| Power bank | 1 | Useful on the 7-hour drive days when charging is not always available |
| Item | Qty | Note |
|---|---|---|
| USD cash | Enough for visa plus backup | USD is the most useful foreign currency in Nepal for tips, optional activities, and emergencies |
| Nepali rupees | Day to day spending | Withdraw from ATMs in Thamel on arrival. Daily limit is usually NPR 35,000 per card |
| Credit or debit card | 1 to 2 | Visa and Mastercard accepted at most Thamel and lakeside restaurants and shops |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Thermal base layer top and bottom | Kathmandu mornings drop to 2 to 5 degrees in January. Pokhara is milder but evenings are cold |
| Warm hat and gloves | Needed for the World Peace Pagoda early morning visit and Swayambhunath hilltop |
| Heavy fleece or down jacket | Layering works better than one thick coat for moving between cold mornings and warm afternoons |
| Warm socks | Stone temple floors are cold underfoot in winter months |
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Waterproof rain jacket | Daily afternoon rain is near certain in both cities. A good jacket matters more than an umbrella |
| Quick-dry clothing | Humidity is high and clothes take longer to dry between days |
| Waterproof bag cover or dry bags | Protects your camera and electronics during sudden downpours |
| Umbrella | Useful in town and at temple sites where you spend time outdoors |
Nothing on this tour requires rental equipment. If you want to add paragliding or a microlight flight in Pokhara, all gear is provided by the activity operator. Your guide can arrange bookings on the day.
Kumar and the team have guided this route for over a decade. Ask anything — gear, fitness, altitude, private groups — before you commit.
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